Parental Divorce Increases Stroke Risk By 61%, Study Reveals Heartbreaking Link

A recent study has thrown light on the long-term health effects of parental divorce, and in so doing, highlighted a remarkable and worrying association between children's experiences of divorce in childhood and risk of stroke later in life. A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Toronto, Tyndale University, and the University of Texas at Arlington found that those whose parents divorced before they reached the age of 18 are 61% more likely to have a stroke in their later years. The results highlight the significant and long-lasting effect that early-life stressors have on physical health and suggest further exploration of the mechanisms involved.

Researchers analyzed data from 13,205 adults aged 65 and older, relating their health outcomes to their childhood family dynamics. Of those whose parents divorced during their childhood, 11.2% had experienced a stroke, whereas only 7.5% of their peers whose parents stayed together. Even after adjusting for other risk factors such as diabetes, depression, smoking, and physical inactivity, the increased risk persisted, drawing attention to the unique influence of parental divorce.

This increased risk is similar to the established stroke risk factors: diabetes, for instance, has a relationship of 37% increased likelihood of stroke. The similarities here highlight the significant influence emotional and environmental factors have in determining long-term health effects.

How Does Parental Divorce Affect Stroke Risk?

The study suggests that both biological and social factors may contribute to the association between parental divorce and stroke risk. Stress is a critical element, with researchers proposing that the sustained stress of parental separation during childhood can have lasting effects on the developing brain and stress-response systems.

"From a biological embedding perspective, having your parents split up during childhood could lead to sustained high levels of stress hormones," explains Professor Esme Fuller-Thomson, senior author of the study. "This may produce elevated cortisol levels, which trigger inflammation in the body, increasing the risk of stroke."

On top of all that, childhood chronic stress leads to sleep patterns interference, contributing to a greater potential of insomnia among adults—still a risk for a stroke.

Is Stigma and Generational Differences also to Be Blamed?

Interestingly, this study involved adults born in the 1950s or earlier, when divorce was much less common and considered greatly taboo. To some extent, therefore, the societal stigma may have increased the general psychological impact of parental separation on children during these decades.

While, researchers are speculating that the loosened social norms of divorces in recent decades may mitigate the long-term health effects on the younger generation, the research focuses on addressing the emotional and psychological needs of children during the process of parental separation regardless of social changes.

Also Read: Glass Child Syndrome: Overlooked Or Never Prioritized

Parental Divorce vs. Other Traumatic Childhood Events: How Do They Impact?

It isolated the effect of divorce by excluding people with a history of childhood abuse. This kind of careful control actually revealed that parental divorce, on its own, also increased the risk of stroke independent of other kinds of trauma. The other forms of childhood adversity—such as neglect, emotional abuse, or exposure to household mental illness—did not correlate with stroke risk in this analysis.

As noted by co-author Philip Baiden, this finding is very significant: "Even when children had at least one adult who made them feel safe in their home and were free from physical or sexual abuse, the risk of stroke was still higher among those whose parents divorced."

Each year, an estimated 795,000 Americans and 100,000 UK residents suffer from strokes. With a reported stroke diagnosis among one in nine Americans aged 65 and older, the conclusions of this research hold important implications for public health.

The researchers emphasize the importance of early intervention and support for children who experience parental divorce. Mental health resources, stress management programs, and family counseling can help alleviate the long-term effects of this stressor.

What Can Parents Do?

While the study does not establish causality, it is a wake-up call for families and policymakers alike. Divorce is undoubtedly difficult, but creating a nurturing environment for children can play a crucial role in minimizing its emotional toll.

Parents need to encourage open discussion, provide reassurance, and maintain consistency, as this shall ease the transition of their children. Schools and community organizations can also support the family by offering them services in relation to separation.

Consistent findings across different population samples suggest a need for further research into the connection between childhood stress and stroke. Biological pathways linking stress, inflammation, and stroke risk are still to be explored.

"We hope our findings inspire others to examine this topic more deeply," Fuller-Thomson says. "Understanding the mechanisms behind this association is crucial for developing interventions that can improve health outcomes for children of divorce."

The link between parental divorce and stroke risk is a sobering reminder of how childhood experiences shape lifelong health. Simply recognizing the potential health impacts of early-life stressors and prioritizing emotional well-being during challenging times, families, healthcare providers, and policymakers can work together to create a healthier future for all.

Parental divorce’s long shadow: Elevated stroke risk among older Americans. PLoS ONE. 2025